Explore Credentials That Help Build Your Career
The Careers Building Communities Credentials Hub connects you to trusted credential opportunities from leading industry organizations — helping you discover what’s possible and when you may be ready to take the next step.
What Are Credentials?
Credentialing is an umbrella term for concepts such as professional certification, certificate programs, licensure, accreditation, and regulation. There are three main types of credentials:
In contrast to certification and licensure, a certificate program is an educational or training program that is used to teach learning objectives and assess whether those objectives were achieved by the student. Certificates may not include a credential.
Industry Examples:
- Facility Management Professional
- Construction Manager-in-Training
A certification is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a particular job and, upon successfully passing a certification exam, to represent a declaration of a particular individual’s professional competence. In some professions, certification is a requirement for employment or practice. Certifications requirements do not vary based on location.
Industry Examples:
- Leadership on Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Licensure tests an individual’s competence but is a mandatory process by which the government grants time-limited permission for that licensed individual to practice a profession. License requirements vary based on location.
Industry Examples:
- Professional Engineer (PE)
- Professional Surveyor (PS)
Why Credentials Matter
Grow Your Career
Credentials can help open doors to promotions, specialized roles, and leadership opportunities.
Build Industry Knowledge
Many credentials provide advanced technical, operational, financial, or management training.
Stand Out to Employers
Credentials show initiative, professionalism, and commitment to your career.
Expand Your Network
Many credential programs connect professionals with industry communities, mentors, and continuing education.
Stay Current
Credentials often include ongoing education requirements that help professionals keep pace with changing technology, regulations, and best practices.
When Might You Be Ready?
Entry-Level Professionals
You may be ready if you want to:
Build foundational industry knowledge
- Explore a career pathway
- Demonstrate commitment to employers
Mid-Career Professionals
You may be ready if you want to:
- Specialize in a focus area
- Advance into management or leadership
- Expand technical expertise
Experienced Professionals
You may be ready if you want to:
- Demonstrate advanced expertise
- Lead teams or projects
- Strengthen credibility with clients and employers
Explore Credentials
The built environment offers many career pathways — and each sector includes unique credentials that support professional growth. Explore examples of credentials connected to careers across the industry.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Certificate
The certificate program covers a broad range of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics through a series of live sessions and webinar recordings.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Online
Workplace Experience Certificate Program
This course builds on employee experience foundations to explore how people experience work across office, remote, and hybrid environments, helping participants develop practical insights and a focused 90-day action plan.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Online
Environmental, Social, Governance Certificate Program
Prepare for a future that is here now! Understand how the SEC climate disclosure ruling will impact your organization within the broader context of sustainability, gain more confidence in your ability to help your company
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
QPCR Virtual Group Program
70+ Hours of group programs provide substantial networking opportunities with CRE professionals and faculty leaders to further build your professional circle.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Online
Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR) Designation
The MCR workplace specialization (MCR.w) is designed for those who are interested in learning about and demonstrating expertise in the study of workplace strategies.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
Mid-Level
Accreditation:
Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
Property Administrator Certificate (PAC)
For professionals who manage the overall operations of a building or a portfolio of buildings. Keep your property in top operational condition, inside and out. Learn how to manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
Certified Property Manager® (CPM®)
Owners, investors, and employers know that if you hold an IREM Certified Property Manager® designation, you have the knowledge to maximize the value of any property, in any asset class. With the CPM designation,
Requirements
Education:
None
Experience:
Mid-Level
Accreditation:
Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)
To become an effective residential property manager, you need to know it all: budgeting, leasing, maintenance, risk management, resident relations and retention all while being accessible to your residents 24/7. And thats exactly
Requirements
Education:
None
Experience:
Entry Level
Accreditation:
Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM®)
To make your mark early in your commercial property management career, you need to do it all. You need to be an organized manager of on-site maintenance staff. You need to be the owner's
Requirements
Education:
None
Experience:
Entry Level
Accreditation:
Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)
Delivery Format:
Online, In-Person, Hybrid
Certificate of Advanced Study in Real Estate Development
Commercial real estate professionals wanting to advance their careers by earning their certificate can focus their efforts on either the development by pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Study in Commercial Real Estate Development.
Requirements
Education:
None
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Online
Latest News
The Financial Times reported on the growing national movement toward skills-based hiring, apprenticeships, certifications, and industry training as employers increasingly prioritize practical competencies over traditional degree pathways alone.
Connecticut introduced more than 300 industry-recognized credentials available to high school students across fields including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and professional services.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced an additional $2.6 million in workforce development grants to help employers connect workers to occupational training and industry-recognized credentials.